DEAL WITH SKIN FLARE UPS
Just like our faces, our body can suffer from seemingly out-of-the-blue flare-ups. Here’s what to do with two common complaints.
ACNE Acne can often crop up in places such as the back, shoulders and bottom. “Acne can flare with stress, hormonal fluctuations, certain medications, thick cosmetics and certain dietary factors such as dairy and sugar,” says leading dermatologist Dr Ryan De Cruz. But you’ll have to work out what your particular cause is because it’s not the same for everybody. “Everyone’s trigger is different,” he explains. “So while diet may play a role in some, it doesn’t for everyone.”
THE SOLUTION Keeping skin free from excess oils and dirt as well as washing off sunscreen is critical, but invest in a soap-free, non-drying cleanser to keep your skin’s pH happy. A wash cloth is great for deep cleaning as long as you're gentle, says De Cruz. “It's optional but as long as your cloth is washed regularly it shouldn't harm the integrity of the skin barrier.”
ECZEMA When aggravated by things like heat or clothing, skin can come up looking red, blotchy and itchy. But summer is a good time to clear things up. “Eczema is often worse over winter, when it is drier and colder,” says De Cruz. “We tend to blast heating and use electric blankets and multiple layers of clothing, which tend to dry out our skin.”
THE SOLUTION Use fragrancefree, soap-free and hypoallergenic cleansers and moisturisers. “The research suggests that using minimalist formulations such as fragrance-free, soap-free and pH-balanced cleansers are the best option to prevent and treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, dry skin and sensitive skin,” says De Cruz, who suggests finding a moisturiser with added ceramides. “These are critical to help repair the skin barrier,” he adds.